iGolf Club

Tournament Guidelines

You should receive notification and registration  information in the mail or via E-mail for each tournament approximately three weeks prior to the deadline set by the course for the final count of golfers playing. You are allowed approximately two weeks to respond, but realize that registration is first come first serve and we have a maximum number of golfers set with the course (members have priority over guests until the deadline date -- see local rules).

The price the club charges for tournament is based on the weekend rate for the course in question and 1/2 a powered cart (usually mandatory). Included in this price is usually a fee charged by courses for tournaments but refundable in gift certificates redeemable at the course. The iGolf Club adds $10 per player for the prize fund.

The tournaments for the year are chosen by an elected Tournament Director of the Club. This person chooses sites based on availability and wishes expressed by the membership where appropriate.

We have in the past played scrambles, best ball, scotch best ball, string, yellow ball, and various "get acquainted" formats. These tournaments are usually played on courses that lend themselves to fun formats. If we are playing a "quality" course we normally play net handicap stroke competition.

The distribution of the prize fund is determined by the Tournament Director. The flights are divided by sex and handicap places are determined by the number of players. Usually there are also proximity awards (closet to the pin, most accurate drive, etc.) that can be gift certificates or cash.

Although there are no minimum participation requirements for this club, we would like to encourage you to partake in as many tournaments as possible in a single year. If this is not met, his/her membership may be reviewed at the renewal date by the Executive board.

iGolf Club Rules and Regulations

Introduction

The iGolf Club is first, last, and always an organization devoted to creating exceptional entertaining and competitive golf experiences for its Members. Golf is one of the few sports where performance and enjoyment of the game is unusually dependent upon each player's understanding and abiding by the rules. Perhaps even more importantly, it's a sport where enforcement of the rules is almost totally dependent upon each player's sense of fair play.

As amateurs, we willingly accept this responsibility for knowing and abiding by the rules and reminding playing partners of possible or actual infractions and penalties. The iGolf Club will institute local rules only when necessary to preserve the integrity of competition or to improve the quality of the golf experience for Members.

Index of Rules and Guidelines

• General 
• The iGolf Club's Two Propositions
• The iGolf Club's Local Rules
• Etiquette and Faster Play
• Dress Code
• Spikes
• Tournament Entry Rules and Policies

General

All competitions will be governed by The iGolf Associate Club Local Rules, and the Local Rules of our host golf courses, the current USGA Rules of Golf, in that order. So please study these pages and your rule book. In fact, the Rules Committee urges you to carry them in your golf bag at all times. Any local rules for the course being played will be distributed at the day's pre tournament meeting (15 minutes prior to first tee time).

An excellent aide in learning the rules is "The Rules of Golf (illustrated and explained)" by Tom Watson.

In the case of any disagreements, The iGolf Club procedure is covered in Local Rule 8 (Disputes/Rulings).

The iGolf Club's Two Propositions

"Dear Playing Partner, um... er... I think you just goofed."

We recognize that it can be awkward and difficult to tell a fellow competitor that he/she has just broken a rule and must now take a penalty stroke. It can also be embarrassing when you are the one penalized. Try to remember that we are all trying to: 1) maintain the high standards of amateur competition, and 2) protect the field so that we are all playing the same game.

Therefore, let's agree to two propositions that will make enforcement a bit less uncomfortable.

Proposition #1. We believe that all of our Members are committed to play by the Rules and expect everyone else to do the same.

Therefore, any time Members break a rule we will assume it is only because they may have misunderstood the situation or options. And, since it was unintentional, they would appreciate learning from their mistakes. And yes, unfortunately, they will have to accept the penalty strokes.

Proposition #2. Not even the pros are sure of every rule in every situation.

Therefore, we will feel free to ask fellow competitors for assistance in interpreting the Rules at any time and to accept the decisions of the iGolf Club Appeals process on any disputed ruling.

At no time should a member be abusive or confrontational to another member over a ruling. Such behavior will not be tolerated and will lead to the member's removal from the club.

The iGolf Club Local Rules

The following are rules determined by the Executive Board of the iGolf Club to maintain the intent of this club to afford equitable competition within the boundaries of the talent level of the competitors.

1. FAIR PLAY. It is every competitor's duty to PROTECT THE FIELD. Anyone not correcting another player is also breaking the rules and may be subject to disqualification.
2. Naturally, NO GIMMES, NO MULLIGANS.
3. EQUITABLE COMPETITION--TEES. All golfers within the same handicap flight will play from the same tees, designated on your scorecard when you register at the course. All females will use the designated front tees in all tournaments, unless otherwise indicated on the scorecard.
4. EQUITABLE COMPETITION--HANDICAPS. The iGolf Club Handicap Committee will do its utmost to record and maintain fair handicaps for the entire membership by use of the GHIN Handicapping System and the NCGA. The Handicap Chairman on a regular basis will evaluate, and if deemed necessary, alter, the handicaps of members whose handicaps do not reflect their tournament playing record. In the case of a member not having a GHIN Handicap (a minimum of five 18 hole golf scores submitted), that member will play as a guest until such time as they submit the required number of scores (their fees should be that of a guest). Note: the fastest method to submit such round is through our Handicap Chairman (he/she will send them immediately -- whereas a course may only submit once per week or per month).
   It is a fundamental assumption of The iGolf Club and the USGA that every player will report ALL SCORES including practice rounds of 14 holes or more; that he/she will try to the best of his/her ability in every tournament, and throughout the tournament; and that he/she will abide by good sportsmanship, and refrain from distracting, impeding, or otherwise encumbering the play of fellow competitors.
5. TIE BREAKERS. USGA Rules of Golf, which first totals the last nine holes, then the last six, last three, and finally, the 18th. Any alternate method of tie breaking must receive prior approval of the Executive Board and be announced to all participants at the pre tournament meeting (otherwise it reverts to the above tiebreaker).
6. PENALTIES. The iGolf Club follows all USGA Rules in relation to penalties and disqualification for rules infractions in both stroke and match play.
7. DISPUTES/RULINGS: In the case of any disputes, follow the iGolf Club procedure in this order: 1) If you have any doubts about your situation, discuss it among ALL members of your playing group. 2) If you cannot come to a decision OR do not agree with the decision, play the ball in question as it lies and ALSO play a second ball (Rule 3-3) from the area most appropriate to the rule in question. Record both scores. When you turn in your score card, report the incident to The iGolf Club Official on duty.
   All disputes will be settled in the clubhouse by the Executive Board or by a majority decision of an impromptu committee of 5 Members, in that order.
8. APPEALS: In competition, there may be disagreements. The Committee will act in good faith to preserve the rights of the Membership, the field, and the individual Player. If there are conflicting rights, the latter order will prevail. Anyone who feels he/she has received an unjust ruling by a Committee may appeal to the Commissioner by means of a petition signed by 5 other playing Members. The ruling of the Commissioner will be final.
9. CHEATING. Any Member may be removed from the Club by a standing Committee, the Commissioner, or the Director for what appears to be a willful breach of the Rules, including cheating or misrepresentation of any sort.
10. USE OF DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES. Are permitted in iGolf competitions in accordance with USGA Decision 14-3/0.5 "Local Rule Permitting Use of Distance-Measuring Device".
11. EMBEDDED BALL THROUGH THE GREEN. Local Rule as prescribed in Appendix I shall be in effect.
12. PACE OF PLAY: Introduction
    The single most aggravating issue in golf is SLOW PLAY. We intend for all iGolf Members to learn and apply the principles of ready play in every tournament. No one should ever have to rush a shot. But no player's actions should interfere with any other's timely completion of the game or enjoyment of the tournament. The following TOUR RULES have been created to enhance the overall playing experience for all competitors in our Tournaments.
    PACE OF PLAY Definitions:
    1. READY GOLF. We will play Ready Golf at all times. Instead of the common practice of farthest from the pin playing first, we believe that it is best to HIT WHEN YOU ARE READY as long as you don't interfere with your playing companion or safety. If you're ready, hit it. For cart play, leave one partner off for their shot and drive to the next shot (first player to walk to the cart).
    2. PACE OF PLAY--PUTTING: Naturally, the person furthest from the pin putts first (whether on or off the green!). But in The iGolf Club, you are urged to exercise the OPTION of continuous putting. We highly encourage this practice. Also, waive this rule when you will incur a waiting period for the furthest golfer to be ready to putt (ready golf). Plan your putt while other players are putting.
13. NEW RULES. This body of Rules may be amended from time to time when the Executive Board feels the need. No new rules will be applied retroactively. Any member can suggest rule changes to the Executive Board.

Etiquette and Faster Play

Most golfers aren't even aware of all the time they waste. But it takes no time for one foursome to slow down the entire course. By parking carts in the wrong place. By not lining up putts when their partners are putting. By not being ready to hit. Faster play doesn't mean rushed play at all. It just means keeping up with the group ahead of you.

Simple etiquette will increase everyone's enjoyment of the game, and will usually mean faster play. If you're unfamiliar with the general etiquette of golf, ask your playing partners to help you out before you get to the first tee.

Most infractions are unintentional. These are the most frequent: stepping in the line of someone's putt. Failing to mark your ball if you're clearly in someone's way. Failing to pull the flag if you're closest to the hole. Failing to replace the flag if you're the first to hole out. Casting a shadow over someone's lie. Talking while someone is hitting.

Don't leave bag/cart in front of green--put it on the side toward the next tee. Replace clubs in your bag and record the scores at the next tee, not the green or in any proximity that might slow the following players. Golf etiquette is mostly common sense.

Dress Code

Some of the courses we will be playing have a dress code. This means no short shorts, no collarless shirts, no halter-tops, and no jeans. You will be notified in advance of these courses so you can dress accordingly.

Spikes

Most courses today require non-metal soft spikes.

Tournament Entry Rules and Policies

You may enter any of the tournaments at any time before the published deadline date as in most cases the entry to tournament is on a first come first served basis. The only exception is that members always have priority over guest. You entered in a tournament when your PayPal payment is received.

Pairings:

1) If you want a particular playing partner or partners, let us know (this is accommodated for on the entry request). We'll try to accommodate your requests. (If there's someone you don't want to play with, we'll try to honor that, too.) We hope, however, you'll want to meet many new people. "Regular foursomes" may not be paired together every time.

2) If no preference is made we will usually match you with people of similar handicaps.

Cancellations:

Player Cancellation:

Cancellation by the deadline date published on the E-mail/flyer for the tournament and receive a full refund.

In any of the following cancellation situations, the first and preferred option is:

1. Substitution!  It is the responsibility of the entered member to get another Member or guest to fill their spot. The tournament chair may be contacted for possible waiting list candidates. If the substitute is from the waiting list and has submitted their payment, then your payment will be returned. If the substitute has not submitted the payment, then the substitute shall remit payment to you and your payment will be applied (we will not return your payment and we would like to minimize the accounting for the tournament chair and club officials). Upon reception of a substitute the tournament chair must be notified with all necessary information. If the above is not done the substitute will not be allowed to participate.
2. Cancel between the deadline date and 72 hours before the first tee time, (and no substitute is found) we'll refund any funds returned by the course we are playing. This means that if the course allows us to not pay for you , you get your money back, and if they do not refund, you are out the entry fee. The Club will retain the prize fund portion of your fee.
3. Cancel within 72 hours of the tournament, you will forfeit your entire entry fee.

Because of the deposits that must be fronted by The iGolf Club, and the stringency of requirements imposed by some of our host courses, it's vital we have an accurate count for each tournament. If you cancel with no substitution more than twice, you may forfeit membership for the year.

Tournament Cancellation

1. We will play in RAIN, SHINE, SNOW, HAIL, or LOCUST SWARMS! Please bring the appropriate clothing if stormy weather is predicted. The only time the golf course will refund our money is if the course superintendent closes the course. If you have any doubts, call the course the morning of the tournament.
2. If we arrive at a course that the Club believes is unplayable and the course offers to reschedule, the Tournament Director or designated official can cancel the tournament and refunds will be returned or applied to rescheduled date at the discretion of the Treasurer.
3. If there is an insufficient number of players signing up for any tournament, we may cancel. Entrants will be notified at least a week ahead of time, and you'll receive a full refund of your entry fee.

Guests Are Welcome

You may bring one, two, or three guests to most tournaments. The following restrictions apply, however:

Guests pay the SAME fee as a Member and are eligible for closest to the pin and long drive prizes. They are NOT eligible for low net prizes. This is incentive to join our club!

Members privileges take precedence over Guests prior to the deadline.

If there is an extremely high demand for a certain date, guests may be placed on a waiting list in order of receipt of entry fee.

Day of Tournament Policy

Please be at the course a MINIMUM of 45 minutes before your tee time and check in with the iGolf representative so they can mark you down as present.  If you are late, we will have someone drive you to the hole where your foursome is currently playing. If your foursome has already completed the first hole, you are disqualified from that tournament. Feel free to play for the fun of it, from that point on!

Tournament Prizes

Prizes should be collected at the tournament or subsequent tournaments.  No prizes will be mailed out unless a self addressed stamped envelope is received by the tournament committee.   All prizes not collected by the non renewing members by the end of the year will be turned over to the tournament committee to be used as part of the prize fund for the following year.

Executive Board Compensation (2008)

Begining in 2008, the Executive Board will be compensated for their job in the running club and staging tournaments.  The executive board will be compensated for each tournament they participate in using the following guidelines:

• Limit to benefit to the LESSER of the tournament fee or $60 per tournament split amongst the Executive Board members that are participating in the tournament.  This is  limited to ONLY the fee for the base greens fees (not the prize fund).   So, if the tournament fee is $50 and a $10 prize fund is added members will pay $60 to enter the tournament and the Executive Board would divide a $50 credit for the tournament amongst board members participating.
  
• Limit the benefit to a maximum of 12 tournaments per year.